The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs would like to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mary Durose who has sadly passed away.
Mary and husband Peter were instrumental in providing housing and personal development of over 250 players over a 22-year period who arrived at the Club to begin their first-grade careers from outside of Sydney.
After the Durose's house in Kogarah was billeted to young players after pitching the idea to close compatriot and Bulldogs patriarch Peter "Bullfrog" Moore, the Club eventually bought a property in Belmore, one that is still in use to this day.
Mary in particular was a matriarchal figure for Bulldogs players in the fledgling years of their careers.
Regarded as a second mother to many of the young men that boarded at their house, playing an integral part in their transition to Sydney as well as the demands of the NRL.
After 22 years of dedicated service to the Club, the pair retired and moved to Victoria to be closer to their families.
Husband Peter was awarded Life Membership of the Football Club in 2020 for his service to the Club. Sadly, Peter passed away in 2023.
Bulldogs legend and former Club Football Manager Garry Hughes paid tribute to Mary.
"Mary had an enormous impact on the Club," he said.
"She will not only be remembered as a mad Bulldogs supporter, but a mother to the likes of Steve Price, Sonny Bill Williams, Johnathan Thurston, Ben Harris, Nate Myles; the list goes on.
"The standout thing for me was that she knew the exact time that the young blokes needed a cuddle and the exact time when they needed a kick in the back-side.
"Mary was a lovely lady and she will be greatly missed."
The Bulldogs wish to pay their respects to Mary. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.
